Orem (Utah): Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University. The incident has reignited concerns over rising political violence across the United States.
The shooting at Utah Valley University
Witnesses reported that Kirk, 31, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was speaking under a white tent at the Sorensen Center courtyard when a single gunshot rang out. Kirk, who had been engaging in a heated discussion on gun violence, collapsed with severe bleeding from his neck.
Videos verified from the scene captured the chaotic moments as spectators screamed and fled. The event, titled The American Comeback, had drawn both supporters and critics.
Suspect not in custody
Local authorities, including Orem Mayor David Young, confirmed that the suspected shooter remains at large. A person initially detained on campus was later found not to be connected to the attack. Law enforcement agencies have yet to release a description of the shooter.
Trump leads tributes
Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “Great, and even Legendary.” The former president praised Kirk’s role in inspiring young conservatives and decried the attack as a “horrific act of violence.”
Other Republican leaders, along with Democratic lawmakers, condemned the shooting and offered condolences. Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present at the event, told Fox News that there was minimal police presence and that Kirk’s security “was not enough.”
Rising wave of political violence
The shooting comes amid a spate of politically motivated attacks in the United States. Recent incidents include the assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, the firebombing of a Colorado parade, and an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence.
Observers warn that the attack on Kirk echoes the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a campaign rally, raising fresh concerns about security lapses at public events.
Legacy of Turning Point USA
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18. The organisation grew from a modest campus movement into a national conservative youth platform, known for its outspoken defence of free markets, limited government, and culture war politics.
Under Kirk’s leadership, Turning Point became a major conservative force, drawing support from influential financiers and backing Trump since 2016. Kirk was also a frequent face on cable news, where he championed conservative causes and criticised liberal academics.
Conclusion
The shooting of Charlie Kirk has cast a dark shadow on the state of political discourse in America. While tributes continue to pour in, questions remain over campus security, the rising threat of political extremism, and the challenges of maintaining free speech in increasingly polarised environments.